How did Americans disagree over the role of federal and state governments before and during the Civil War?
(4 points)
1) States' Rights vs. Federal Power: One main point of disagreement was the extent of powers held by the federal government versus the authority of individual states. Southern states, particularly those in the Deep South, favored states' rights and believed that each state should have the right to determine its own laws and policies, including those related to slavery. On the other hand, many northern states and strong abolitionist voices believed in a strong federal government that could regulate and limit the spread of slavery.
2) Slavery: The issue of slavery was at the center of the conflict over the role of federal and state governments. Southern states were heavily dependent on slave labor, and they argued that it was their constitutional right to maintain slavery within their borders. They believed that the federal government should not have the power to interfere with their "peculiar institution." Conversely, many northerners, particularly abolitionists, believed that the federal government had a moral duty to abolish slavery and prevent its spread into new territories.
3) Tariffs and Economic Policies: Disagreements over economic policies also played a role in the debate over federal versus state power. Southern states, which relied heavily on agriculture and export of raw materials, opposed high tariffs imposed by the federal government. They argued that these tariffs disproportionately burdened the South while benefiting the industrialized North. The South believed that states should have the power to determine their own economic policies, including trade regulations and tariffs.
4) Secession vs. Union: As tensions escalated before the Civil War, the disagreement over the role of federal and state governments became more extreme. Southern states, feeling threatened by the possibility of anti-slavery policies imposed by the federal government, started advocating secession from the Union. They believed that states had the right to leave the Union if they felt their interests were not being adequately represented. In contrast, supporters of the Union believed in a strong federal government and maintained that secession was unconstitutional.